Prevention zone brought in as Cumbria's second bird flu case found in Allerdale

Several precautionary measures have been put in place near the site Credit: ITV Border

Avian Influenzo - also known as bird flu - has been confirmed at a premises in Allerdale,  Cumbria.

The disease mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions can affect mammals including humans.

Several precautionary measures have been put in place, including a three kilometre protection zone, a 10 kilometre surveillance zone and the humane culling of birds at risk of infection.

The disease mainly affects birds, but on rare occasions can affect mammals including humans. Credit: PA

The zones restrict access to locations where birds are kept, and impose restrictions on the movement of birds, however they do not limit access to residents or business owners. 

Temporary road signs will be put in place along the zone boundaries for awareness. People in direct contact with the premises have been contacted and offered appropriate preventative treatment.

This is the second confirmed case of Avian Influenza in the county following previous cases at a premises near Silecroft in Copeland in November.

It was also detected at commercial premises near Gretna, Dumfries and Galloway, in Scotland.

In response to the UK-wide outbreak of Avian Flu, Nationwide housing measures came into force on 29 November, meaning it’s now a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and to follow strict biosecurity measures to limit the spread of and eradicate the disease.